Chapter 5 His profile

"What did you just say?" He asks, desperate to hear it.

I was tired of his body pressing against mine so I voiced it out. "you're cunning."

"Better be cunning than a stalker." Back to where we left it, there's no way I'm going to escape this talk this morning. I know he made me wait after work yesterday for a reason. My eyes were almost bulging, running up and down for my mother's treatment over the night which he had little or no idea about.

And that thought snaps me out of my self-conscious state. A defiant side of me surfaces when I feel cornered. More like a defence mechanism. Now it has been triggered and this becomes a challenge, almost like a game and I believe I will not lose. I refuse to give Xander Blake the satisfaction. I'm tired of hiding behind jokes and sarcastic comments. I feel the need to clear this dashingly handsome man. He's having the wrong perception about me that everything he knows is pure lies. I've told him what my intention is but he seems not too convinced. I refuse to be easily intimidated. I've had enough of hiding in the shadows, of not being acknowledged for what I feel deep down.

"Yes, I have a crush on you." I muffed out the air in between my teeth. Admittedly I was stupid, mum had gone to the hospital and was under care, but I needed to spin the truth my heart was almost exploding at the thought of his chiselled face and his dark eyes, I wanted to love him even though I end up losing.

His cockiness vanishes, replaced by complete confusion, he takes a step back looking confused and stunned. I underestimate how startled he'd be. I'm not in any way close to the fancy girls he had been with.

I gave him a half sided smile, rubbing my hair with my hands when he had pressed against the walls. "Why are you so surprised, here, you wanted the truth, you've got it."

I found him mute. He doesn't say anything. I felt accomplished. I have left my lifelong crush speechless.

Xander recovers running his hand along his jaws. " To be frank, I wasn't expecting that."

The stupid grin on my face account for the fact I'm being in control of the situation.

"That's very unusual, to have someone speak with all honesty." Xander's eyes threaten to pop out of his face. "Especially you being straightforward..."

Since you have been cornering me and rendering all my efforts useless. I thought about running my hand through my chin, hoping I didn't ruin my golden opportunity.

Xander Chuckled. "I thought you were quite an introverted girl with lots of defence mechanisms but I'm wrong. You're more interesting to me." He said. This is more like the second time he's seen my other side. He would have had less if everyone had stayed at their pace but he's pushing me towards the wall, unlike every ordinary secretary he's had.

"Of Course, I'm the most interesting girl you have ever met in your life," I said as a small grin crept on my face.

"And also a decent self-esteem from my view," Xander said, it was obvious he's been with a couple of ladies that were wild in every aspect.

I affirmed. "Yes. That's right."

He approaches me again, leaning forward, this time I didn't move an inch. "And what does this interesting girl want from me?" He asked his eyes narrowing through my soul.

"Can't you figure it out? I thought you have the highest IQ in the country. The grand bachelor CEO of Blakes company."

He laughs aloud, sounds echoing around the surrounding area. "It's amazing how much you know about me, actually I can figure it out. Just want to hear it from you."

"I think I've talked enough. Sir. Won't it be more interesting if you'd say it?"

He leans closer this time until our faces are almost a few inches apart. I gulped my saliva slowly, my heart almost seeking me off with the pounding sound. " Do you desire me in your bed?"

My heartbeat intensifies. I then pushed him away. "No, thank you."

More confused and with a frown. He asked again. "What do you want then?"

"It's something very simple," I tell him casually. "I want to get out of here, I'm freaking out."

"That's all? You don't want my love?" Now I felt the hurt in his voice. I don't know what he expected to hear in this environment because it's way past my mother's curfew and most of all we're the only ones at work. I'm not complaining because he looks even hotter with a frown. My mother won't take her education if I'm not there to impose it on her, and the doctor advised that she shouldn't go through much stress.

"You're crazy. A crazy secretary." He said. "Many girls are dying to have me in their bed, or are you trying to hide your desire," Xander added.

"Well. I'm not them!" I shout out loud enough for him to know I'm damn serious with every single thing. But I wasn't I was the girl that loved him from childhood, I even take all his flaws to freckles.

"You can't even say that because why will I even fall in love with you, you're not my type." Xander let out, with a discerning look.

"We'll see about that." I wink at him and a smirk edged his lips, he loves a challenge as much as I do.

"You've got a gut, I'll get you to my bed. You should know my determination is impressive."

"I can see that." I turn around and look at him. He halted staring into my eyes. Trying to defuse the tension between us I speak. " Why did you work late?"

He fidgeted in the first thirty seconds, but something In my eyes compelled him. "Because it's quiet, and I get to understand the world from my perspectives."

"Do you like being alone?" I asked curiously.

"Curiosity kills a cat, Leslie," Xander said cockily.

"Yes until today. Because you're a bad influence." Now my boss has resurfaced.

There are a lot of people with hidden pains. I now realized Ian was one of them. I felt the dept of his scars.

"Why the sudden phenomenon of calmness? You were being an ass just now." Leslie breaks away and gives me a smirk.

"We should get going, what do you think?" I said looking at him disdainfully and considering the reply to give him.

"Yes, we should." I swallowed and obeyed like a little puppet. I followed him to the car. We remain silent for a while and my thoughts wander. I can't believe I said all those things to him. I may lose my job! I thought. I shiver a little. It's not enticing enough after the incident.

I glance at his profile and his eyes are focused on the road. God, he's so handsome. As if sensing my gaze Xander turned to look at me.

"What?" He asked.

"Nothing." I looked away, averting eye contact.

I know tonight was just the beginning of something I doubt I can handle. But at least let's just give it a try.